Doodle Labs, producer of long-range, industrial-grade wireless networking solutions, and ModalAI, Inc., a manufacturer of autonomous drone and robot technology, announced today the launch of a direct integration between Doodle Labs’ nano-OEM and mini-OEM Smart Radios and ModalAI’s VOXL® 2 autopilot.
The integration between these key drone components empowers drone OEMs to seamlessly build highly intelligent drone systems with a powerful and reliable datalink. Doodle Labs’ Helix version of its Smart Radios and ModalAI’s VOXL 2 are both part of the Blue UAS Framework, fully cleared for use by the US government.
To make it easier for new drone platforms to get airborne as quickly as possible, the Smart Radios and the VOXL 2 will both be available for purchase on the ModalAI website.
“Our radios achieve very long range with high throughput and a reliable datalink. ModalAI is committed to developing autopilots for smaller, smarter and safer drones. Add in the Blue UAS connection and it’s a natural partnership that we’re very proud to support,” said Nimesh Parikh, CEO and Founder of Doodle Labs. “We think this integration could be a game-changer for many drone OEMs and allow them to go to market faster with their best drones ever.”
“As a Blue UAS Framework manufacturer, our mission is to advance the U.S. drone industry with advanced, interoperable technology that accelerates the path to autonomy,” said Chad Sweet, CEO and Co-Founder of ModalAI. “We are pleased to collaborate with Doodle Labs to make their Smart Radios available on VOXL 2. Developers who use VOXL 2 and Doodle Labs’ Smart Radios can achieve a quicker time to market and FY20 NDAA Section 848 Compliance.”
Doodle Labs Helix Smart Radios
The development of Doodle Labs’ Helix Smart Radio was sponsored by the Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit specifically for the Blue UAS program. It’s the only radio to meet all Blue UAS Framework requirements in one radio.
The Helix Smart Radio provides the tactical capability of six frequency bands (M1-M6) in one radio, an industry first. With Helix, end-users can switch frequency bands based on interference, country of operation or any other reason without having to swap out hardware. Helix Smart Radios are fully NDAA compliant.
Helix Smart Radios are available in two form-factors; mini-OEM and the even smaller nano-OEM, both low-SWaP designs that enable long range and high throughput and are tailor-made for drones. In addition to Blue UAS-compliant Helix versions, both Smart Radios are also available in unlicensed 2.4 GHz versions for commercial drone use.
Modal AI VOXL 2
VOXL 2 is ModalAI’s latest autopilot, powered by the Qualcomm® Flight RB5 5G platform. At only 16 grams, VOXL 2 boasts more AI computing than any other autopilot. VOXL 2 integrates a PX4 real-time flight controller with an 8-core CPU up to 15 TOPs, seven image sensors, TDK® IMUs and barometer, 5G connectivity and is assembled in the USA. The new computing platform accelerates the development of commercial drone and robot solutions to realize the benefits of autonomous AI and 5G.
VOXL 2 enables autonomy and communications for indoor and outdoor drones and robots with vision-based SLAM and AI for movement, designed specifically for GPS-denied, autonomous UAVs with obstacle avoidance. With a 5G add-on, VOXL 2 enhances mission critical navigation, including beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) to support safer, more reliable flight.
About Doodle Labs
Doodle Labs designs and produces industrial-grade wireless networking solutions. The company focuses on mesh networking for robotic systems, providing high throughput, long-range Smart Radio solutions for UAVs, UGVs, AMRs, connected teams, government/defense, private wireless and other applications. Its customers, many in the Fortune 100, build dynamic solutions to complex problems with Doodle Labs products.
Doodle Labs was founded in 2008 and has offices in the United States, and Singapore. For more information, visit www.doodlelabs.com
About ModalAI
ModalAI® accelerates development of smaller, smarter and safer drones and robots with SWAP-optimized Blue UAS Framework autopilots built in the U.S.A. From home and business security to retail and government applications, the company’s highly-integrated AI-powered modules empower a variety of industries to utilize aerial and ground autonomous navigation systems that communicate on 4G and 5G cellular networks.
Based in San Diego, California, ModalAI was formed by former Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. employees in 2018 and builds on their prior research and development in the drone and robotic markets. ModalAI’s VOXL product line helps manufacturers and independent builders get to market quickly and affordably. For more information, visit www.modalai.com.
